This is a player's perspective entry by Danielle Tobar. I asked her to consider the following questions and write a response from her perspective:
As a player the most difficult part of being on a team is……. And why?
In your opinion, what makes a team bad, dysfunctional, or one that does not play up to its ability or expectations?
In your opinion, what makes a team great and able to play up to and often beyond its ability or expectations?
I think that the hardest part of being on a team is balancing your desire to win between your team and yourself. Even though we all want to do well and show our skills, we also have to do what's best for the team. Sometimes a player must suffer for the good of the team no matter how much they resent the decisions made. I also think that eventually every player decides for themselves, as a teammate, and always chooses one or the other. Teammates know who plays for themselves and who plays for the team and that's a big part of a functional team. I think to be a good, winning team everyone has to be willing to give up their own glory. That's why teams are dysfunctional, when everyone is only looking out for themselves. I also think a team has problems when players can't take criticism or blame for mistakes. It's ok to say "sorry that was my fault," not "it was all the umpires or the catcher or runner's fault." I think that shows cocky-ness when you can't just admit you messed up. I think to play beyond expectations all players must do that. Also, cheering for fellow teammates is a big part. Showing unity both on and off the field creates a family. Everyone knows someone always has their back, and we can trust that everyone will do their part on the field.
-Danielle Tobar
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1 comment:
Danielle makes some very good points. Sometimes individuals have to sacrifice a little to make the TEAM the best it can be. Also, she states that players can tell who plays for themselves and not for the team. Very good point! In order to be a team, all of the players must choose team first. If not, it only takes a few to disrupt an entire season.
Forming a community of trust and loyalty is a big step in the right direction, and when every individual takes that step together you have a team that is much more than a score at the end of the 7th inning and/or a record at the end of a season.
Thanks for the post!
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